Graham’s fluoride vote raises eyebrows in Mebane, elsewhere

MEBANE — A vote last week by Graham City Council to quit adding fluoride to the city’s water has caused a stir in Mebane and elsewhere around the county.

Graham’s vote to discontinue fluoridation was contingent on members of the Mebane City Council doing likewise. Should both boards agree, fluoride will no longer be added to the Graham-Mebane Lake water supply.

If Mebane votes to continue the use of fluoride — or simply doesn’t take action on the matter — the water will continue being treated as it has for decades.

Members of the Mebane City Council meet March 4. The agenda for that meeting hasn’t been set, so it’s unclear if the issue concerning fluoride will be discussed.

Mebane Mayor Glendel Stephenson said he’s received numerous emails — from area dentists, from citizens and from state health officials — about fluoridation since Graham’s vote.